Pak says focus to remain on India border under Bajwa

The corps commanders paid tribute to Gen Raheel for his leadership and professional acumen, and lauded his service to the country, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Pakistan's office of the prime minister has announced that Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa has been appointed as the new army chief and Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

"The legacy of General Raheel Sharif would continue in the light of the examples he set", he added.

PTI quoted PML-N Senator, Lt General (Retired) Abdul Qayyum as saying that there was no difference in the credentials of all the four generals who were considered for the top slot in army.

Earlier, Gen Raheel told journalists that he would like to dedicate his post-retirement life to the welfare of the families of slain soldiers.

The PM and President praised the services of Raheel Sharif for the country. Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a large-scale coercive action against hideouts and thousands of terrorists in Norht Waziristan was launched in June 2014, under his supervision. He expanded the role of paramilitaries in Karachi which is widely credited with reducing the level of violence in Pakistan's commercial capital.

The ceremony will be attended by heads of the armed forces, civil-military leadership and other local and worldwide dignitaries. Raheel's contributions and commitment to implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project and his firm and strong response to Indian belligerence also earned him laurels and respect.

The military has been in charge of the country for more than half of Pakistan's almost 70-year history since independence. He has, nevertheless, maintained strong influence over the government's foreign and national security policies.

He also overruled Nawaz Sharif on any attempted peace overtures with India.

"Since the tension is so high, Nawaz (Sharif) is not in a position to maneuver out of that", Hussain said.